Comfort Soups: Melt away the cold with these delicious, soul-warming recipes.

January 31, 2014 | by Missy Smith

Homemade soup is a weekly staple in our household. You could go as far as saying that we are soup addicts. When we began cooking soups from scratch a few years ago, we turned into overnight believers.

We have found that the savory taste of homemade soup cannot be captured in canned varieties. You also can’t beat the minimal cost per serving most home-cooked soups offer. While some soups take a bit of time and effort to make, if you cook up large batches over the weekend, you will have quick and easy re-heats during the week—one of the perks I love. And, during the chilly winter months, nutritious soups help to warm our souls, fill our bellies and protect our immune systems from nasty bugs. Soup is not only delicious, it is practical, cost-effective, usually healthy and the perfect complement to winter weather. I even find it to be a satisfying, creative cooking outlet.

So, stay toasty with these recipes, all of which can be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer more or less of a particular vegetable or spice, feel free to adjust. Gather your family or friends, have fun in the kitchen and most importantly, kick back with a warm, aromatic, uplifting bowl of goodness.

Chicken Barley Soup

1 whole chicken
2 cups pearled barley
3-4 cups cubed potatoes
2 cups cut carrots
2 cups cut celery
2 cups corn
1 diced red onion
1 whole bulb of pressed garlic
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

This recipe makes a large batch of soup. Enjoy its heartiness and the simplicity of having a couple nights of leftovers. Our family of six can typically get about two nights out of this recipe. We go for a whole bulb of garlic for an immune system boost and add cayenne pepper to taste for an extra kick and a natural way to clear a wintery stuffy nose.

After removing the innards, place the chicken and half a bulb of garlic in a crockpot, cooking on low for 10 to 12 hours.

Toward the end of the chicken’s cooking time, combine all of the vegetables, the remaining garlic and the bay leaves in a large bowl or pot, top with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of salt, and toss. Roast the veggies in a large, greased baking dish for 1 to 1½ hours at 400 degrees, or until they become caramelized on the outside. Stir every half hour.

Salt and season 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add barley, bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer, cooking on low heat for 40 to 50 minutes. Fluff the slightly al dente barley with a fork.

While your veggies and barley are cooking, remove the chicken from the crockpot and place on a large tray or pan to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Save the juice from the chicken to add into the soup. Remove all meat from the bones and be sure to store the remaining carcass in the refrigerator or freezer to use at a later date as a base for a nutritious soup stock.

Combine all of the ingredients in an extra large soup pot, along with the chicken juice, and add 10 cups of water. Use more or less water depending on whether you like a brothy soup or a chunky soup. Salt and season to taste. Serve hot.

Pulled Pork Tortilla Soup

2 to 3 pounds pork roast
4 cups roasted tomatoes
2 to 3 cups corn
1 bell pepper
2 chopped red onions
5 garlic cloves
2 cups cooked white beans (follow the directions on the package)
8 ounces of cheese, shredded
tortilla chips
olive oil
2 tablespoons cumin
salt and pepper to taste
a dash of cayenne pepper
10 cups water
lime and avocado garnishes (optional)

This large batch of tortilla soup is a favorite recipe at my house and one that offers a few nights of leftovers. Served over tortilla chips and cheese, this fun, flavorful meal is a crowd pleaser. Both the adults and kids in our family get exceptional joy out of the gooey cheese that hangs off of the spoon and accompanies each delicious bite. If you are like me and love spicy foods, add more cayenne pepper to taste.

Place pork roast, one chopped onion, 3 cloves of garlic and diced tomatoes in a crockpot, and cook on low for about 12 hours.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a pan on medium heat. When the pan is heated, add the second chopped onion, sprinkle with salt and cook until clear. Add the remaining garlic, chopped peppers and corn. Sauté on medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the peppers just become tender.

When the pork is finished cooking, remove from the crockpot and place on a large pan. Shred the pork into small pieces with two forks, if needed. Remove any large chunks of fat (which also can be saved for stock).

Combine the pork and its broth with the vegetables in an extra large soup pot. Pour 12 cups of water into the pot; add the cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper; and bring to a slight boil. Reduce to a slight simmer and let cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

Place a small handful of chips in the bottom of each serving bowl, sprinkle the shredded cheese to the top of the chips and add a generous helping of hot soup. For additional flair, top with a lime wedge and several pieces of avocado.

Acorn Squash and Kale Soup

4 acorn squashes
8 cups chopped kale
1 chopped onion
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon raw sugar or maple syrup
salt to taste

Here is a hearty and delicious option for vegans. The acorn squash is rich and echoes flavors of fall, with the kale adding a delightful texture and taste to the soup. While this is a vegan recipe, I have seen similar recipes that call for a garnish of crumbled bacon, for those who prefer a meaty flavor. You can also garnish with the seeds from the acorn squash. Just roast and chop them and sprinkle on top.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool.

Scoop out the flesh and puree in a blender or food processor, with nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a pan on low heat. When the pan is heated, add the chopped onion, sprinkle with salt and cook until clear. Add the chopped kale and cook until soft.

Combine the squash puree, onions and kale in a large pot on medium to low heat. Add the raw sugar or maple syrup and 2 cups of water. Stir and let the soup heat.

Black Bean Coconut Soup

1 bag of dry black beans (16 ounces)
3 cups of coconut milk
2 cups water
1 bunch cilantro
5 garlic cloves, chopped
2 chopped onions
coconut oil
1 tablespoon cumin
1 bay leaf
salt
pepper

Eating beans is an inexpensive way to fill your belly. Always on a search for interesting recipes, I discovered a variation of this one online, published by recipe author Ian Knauer, and tweaked it a bit to my taste. The hearty, rich flavor of this recipe makes for a unique and delightful winter comfort soup, with an extra creamy treat provided by the coconut milk.

Soak the beans for 8 hours or overnight in a large soup pot to soften before cooking (most bags will give specific instructions).

After the beans have soaked, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the bay leaf to the pot, and place on the stove, covered with a tilted lid. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 to 1½ hours or until tender.

In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat and stir in the chopped onions, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until golden.

Add the cilantro stems, water, beans and their liquid, cumin and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cilantro stems are tender.

Puree the soup in batches. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

Harrisburg’s Mr. Lincoln: James Hayney has built a career portraying the Great Emancipator.

January 31, 2014 | by Ron Hopkins

“My mission is to keep history alive.”

So says James Hayney about his role as an Abraham Lincoln presenter. Hayney, a Camp Hill resident, has been keeping history alive around central Pennsylvania and beyond for most of the last decade.

He certainly looks the part. Hayney’s body is long and lean; he stands well over 6 feet tall and sports the trademark beard worn by the 16th president. Hayney states, with a wink, that he is about the same age as Lincoln at the end of his presidency.

Hayney took a circuitous route to the role of Abraham Lincoln, which he now plays full-time. He explained that, during his 20s and 30s, he was a telephone man, but had this dream of becoming an actor. As he approached his 40s, he saved enough to take a leap of faith and follow his dream. He resigned from corporate life and spent some time in New York, expanding his acting skills and trying to break into commercials. After a few months, he moved back to the Harrisburg area to work in the local theater scene.

“I’m a Harrisburg guy,” he explains, noting the terrific location for a professional Lincoln portrayer. “My roots are here. My son was born here.”

He began to find acting gigs around central Pennsylvania. He acted in Harrisburg’s Open Stage and Gamut Theatre. He soon began getting parts at Allenberry Playhouse and became a regular there. Then he received an unexpected break.

In 2002, the National Civil War Museum contacted him about playing the role of Lincoln for one of its fundraisers. Hayney accepted and began to research his new role, as any good actor would. He soon found that Lincoln fascinated him.

A short time later, Hayney began to look for a one-man play about Lincoln, one that spoke to him. He found it—“Mr. Lincoln”—by Herbert Mitgang. The one-man play begins at Ford’s Theater just as Lincoln is about to be assassinated. Lincoln sees his life in a series of flashbacks just as Booth pulls the trigger: from his early days as a rail-splitter to his latter years as a lawyer and politician.

Hayney presented “Mr. Lincoln” on Lincoln’s birthday and President’s Day at theaters in Carlisle and Harrisburg. As he continued to play the role, he began to wonder if he could work full-time as a Lincoln portrayer.

Jim Getty, the long-time Lincoln presenter from Gettysburg, became an early mentor to Hayney. After Hayney approached him, Getty explained the thorough research he had conducted for the role and allowed him to peruse his extensive library.

Getty also put him in touch with people and organizations that helped him make his start.

“Jim Getty is a terrific guy and was a tremendous help to me,” Hayney said.

Hayney started to build his own Lincoln library, which includes David Herbert Donald’s “Lincoln,” Harold Holzer’s “Lincoln President-Elect” and “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, among many other writings and biographies. Hayney purchased the complete collection of Lincoln’s writings and studied them extensively. He discovered that, the more he learned about the Great Emancipator, the more he admired him.

“There is no point of diminishing returns with Lincoln,” Hayney states. “The more I learn about him, the better he gets.”

Hayney turned his love for Lincoln into a career in 2005. He now spends a lot of time at Gettysburg, performing or giving presentations at the Battle Theater, the Dobbin House and the Fairfield Inn, just outside of the city. He also speaks to many corporate and school groups.

He explains that he prepares for his presentations by researching the group he will be speaking to and makes sure his knowledge of Lincoln coincides with their interests and their mission. Then he takes off his wedding ring—Lincoln never wore one—and puts on the mole. When he speaks to a group, he presses forward with a two-pronged attack.

“I always try to start out with humor,” Hayney says. “Lincoln was an extremely funny guy. Back in Illinois during his circuit-riding days, people would travel from miles around to hear him tell his stories at the taverns at night. He was almost a stand-up comedian.”

Once Hayney has his audience chuckling at one of his Lincoln stories, he hits them with a finishing punch. “When I get folks good and relaxed, then I sneak in some history lessons,” he says with a laugh.

In 2009, the National Civil War Museum contacted him about a project. The museum wanted Hayney to become the Lincoln that it displays on a daily basis. The “Meet Mr. Lincoln” video, which can be found both in the museum and on its online website, is Hayney’s portrayal of Lincoln answering questions about the Civil War, slavery and his presidency.

Hayney traveled to Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh to film the project. “It was an exhausting experience,” he remembers. “We worked 12-hour days doing the filming. I had to be at the top of my game every minute.”

But Hayney remains thrilled about the final product, which puts his talents on full display. He is grateful that the museum gave him such an opportunity.

“The folks at the museum—Wayne Motts, Trini Nye and Kate McDermott—do such great things and have been so supportive,” he said. “I love to go there whenever I can.”

Being a Lincoln presenter has given Hayney a wide range of opportunities. He performed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., on the day of President Obama’s first inauguration. He received the key to the town of Hummelstown and, earlier this year, was grand marshal for the Pennsylvania Farm Show. He even threw out the first pitch at a Harrisburg Senator’s baseball game.

Hayney sometimes appears with other historical presenters, including a woman who plays the part of Mrs. Lincoln, a man who portrays the powerful abolitionist, Frederick Douglass and, of course, another presenter who portrays Lincoln’s favorite general, Ulysses Grant. On occasion, Hayney even gets on television. He recently completed a commercial for the History Channel.

When asked which of Lincoln’s speeches is his best, Hayney immediately points to the second inaugural address. He also considers Lincoln’s first inaugural speech important, simply because of the gravity of a nation in crisis. Naturally, Hayney admires the Gettysburg Address, as he feels the president’s “few appropriate remarks” were exactly right for the occasion.

“Of course, not everyone was thrilled with that speech,” Hayney chuckles. “Some folks didn’t like it at all, like the Harrisburg Patriot.”

Hayney remains more than a little amused that the Patriot finally apologized for bashing Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg as the “silly remarks of the President” that “shall be no more repeated or thought of.” Hayney acknowledges that pointing out the Patriot’s lack of vision gets him lots of laughs and applause.

“When I point out that editorial, I always like to add that it’s no wonder that the Patriot is only now published three days a week,” he said, smiling. “People always burst out laughing and clapping about that line.”

Hayney readily admits he has had to change with the times. When he started out doing his Lincoln research, he usually bought books, many of them hardcover. Now, he downloads them and reads them on his Kindle. When he started out in 2005, he had a brochure, with his address and phone number. Now, he has a website where people can get all his contact information, as well as information, pictures and testimonies about his Lincoln presentation.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the support Hayney gets from his wife, Beverly. Though she prefers to stay in the background, she clearly is very important to him.

“She is the love of my life,” he said. “We have been married 11 years, and I have loved every day.” Beverly is a nurse practitioner and works for the PinnacleHealth, where Hayney also volunteers one day a week.

When Hayney is asked how portraying Lincoln has touched his life, he is quick to answer. “Lincoln makes me a better person. Whether I am dressed like Lincoln or I am wearing a ball cap and T-shirt and just driving around town, I don’t want to do anything to denigrate his name.”

Spend any amount of time with James Hayney talking about Abraham Lincoln, and his admiration for the man is bound to rub off on you.

You can find out more information about James Hayney at his website, www.lookingforalincoln.com. He also appears in the video, “Meet Mr. Lincoln,” at the National Civil War Museum and at the museum’s website.

CASA Student Scribes: Overcoming Anxiety

January 31, 2014 | by Micaela Sisco

Painting of Micaela Sisco by CASA student Mady Ho.

The subway car smells dirty. Indistinct faces swirl in and out of focus. Bodies clamber into view, filling the aisle.

It’s getting warm, uncomfortably so. I don’t know anyone here, they don’t know me. Except my dad. He sits still beside me like a rock. I take a deep breath to settle my nerves. The door slides open, and more bodies file in. Suddenly my vision lilts, the light narrows and my pulse quickens. I whip around to face my dad, but I can’t see him. Everything feels hazy, and I cannot take a full breath. I plunge my head into his broad shoulder, trying to hide from my fears. Stifled, guttural sobs emanate from somewhere deep inside my soul. Finally, we jolt to a stop. The masses begin the exodus, but you better believe I got out first, sprinting to get up to where there was sunlight and fresh air.

And thus we learned that I suffer from moderate claustrophobia.

People with claustrophobia constantly devise an escape plan. When they walk into a room, they check for windows and doors, any sign of the outside. The Medical News Today website defines a phobia as “a kind of anxiety disorder in which the sufferer has a relentless dread of a situation, living creature, place or thing.” When confronted with a stressor, the sufferer exhibits many of the following physical symptoms: trembling, twitching, shaking, the feeling of fullness in the throat or tightness in the chest, increased heart rate, light-headedness, agitation and/or inability to catch a full breath. These indicate anxiety, a normal reaction to stress. But the source of the stress is not.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older.” Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand. People with a phobia will go to great lengths to avoid that which they fear or dread. They are careful not to incite the distress that revolves around their phobia.

Four years later, I’ve come to understand my triggers. So, here I am, a high school senior. I stroll into class as usual. My science teacher is gone; a frumpy blonde substitute sits in his place. An interruption, an irregular step in my daily life. The already unfriendly grey walls glare threateningly. With haste, I snatch laptop number nine and skitter from the room. Almost. Her voice rings out.

“Where are you going?”

I explain that I work in the hallway every day, a little snappy because her intrusive tone further disrupts my pattern. My palms begin to sweat: step one of a panic attack.

“Look, I have crippling claustrophobia, OK?”

It isn’t actually crippling, but the longer I stay in that windowless room, the more uncomfortable I get, the more I really, really, really need to leave: step two. Half of me knows, though, that my oncoming panic is irrational. That’s a part of the struggle, acknowledging that what’s happening is illogical and still not being able to stop it or calm down. Insensitive people only add to the panic.

“This is a pretty big room,” she says.

The pain in my heart feels strong enough to break down walls. Yes, I know the actual size of the room, but I have this irrational fear of windowless rooms, so this place actually looks quite small to me. My throat tightens. I take a raggedy breath, grit my teeth and stumble out of the now spinning room, without answering her.

There are eight major anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, worrying about everything all the time, affects 6.8 million adults in the United States. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, performing ritualistic behaviors, occurs in 2.2 million adults. Six million adults have Panic Disorder, spontaneous fits of panic. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, periodically freaking out over a personal and terrifying event of the past, grabs hold of 7.7 million. Fifteen million adults suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder, 18.9 million have Major Depressive Disorder, and 3.3 million live with Dysthymic Disorder (chronic minor depression). There are also 19 million American adults who have specific phobias that prevent them from doing normal human things, like interacting with other humans or going out into public.

My best friend since first grade, Sarah Smith for anonymity, is one such sufferer. She was recently diagnosed by the Philhaven Mental and Behavioral Health Care Providers with agoraphobia (fear of going out in public), Dysthymia, Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Her caregivers (a medical worker or allied health professional who assists in the management of an illness or disability) decided that her hallucinations she had as a part of her anxiety were not severe and did not erupt often enough to classify as psychosis.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have anxiety,” she confesses. In second grade, her parents got divorced. The depression started then. Since that time, her life has been a constant cycle of terrible guilt and fear, which progressively worsened until an attempted suicide on Sept. 17, 2013, after which she decided to admit herself as an inpatient at Philhaven, a very difficult decision indeed. The day began quietly. She knew what she must do: she sent out a few goodbye texts to her closest friends then drove with her father to the psychiatrist’s office to explain her predicament. Smith was honest with the psychiatrist, spared no detail. The psychiatrist sent Smith to the emergency room of the Penn State Medical Center in Harrisburg, where she met with the crisis evaluation team multiple times and filled out copious amounts of paperwork, only to be transferred to Philhaven and do it all again. At last, 12 hours later, she could lie down and try to rest in the safety of the facility.

Anxiety can be treated many different ways. The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem, the hardest part. Once you take that step and seek help, you have two options. Mayo Clinic recommends psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Smith visits a therapist once a week, who employs CBT and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), and a psychiatrist once a month. Also, numerous medications treat forms and symptoms of anxiety. Smith takes three: Trazodone for sleeping, Lorazepam for extreme anxiety and Zoloft for depression. She believes, though, the people around her set her on the right track.

“With the right support group, you can get better!” she says, hugging me.

For more information on anxiety disorders, visit the National Institute of Mental Health website at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml. Your local doctor’s office will also have pamphlets filled with recommendations for treatment, medication or otherwise. The most important thing to remember is you are not alone.

Micaela Sisco is a senior at Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA).

The Itch that Rashes: Good skin care is key to fighting childhood eczema.

January 31, 2014 | by Dr. Deepa Sekhar

I see many children for itchy, irritated skin at the office.

One of the more frequent causes is commonly referred to as “eczema.” Eczema can be very frustrating for parents and children alike, and below I hope to clarify what it is, what causes it and some initial steps to treatment.

Eczema actually refers to a number of conditions in which the skin becomes red and irritated and may develop small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze. It often begins around 2 to 6 months of age, but almost always appears by 5 years of age. The typical complaint is dry, red, itchy, bumpy skin. Any part of the body may be involved, but eczema often occurs behind the knees, in the bends of the elbows and on the cheeks.

Officially, eczema is called atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to conditions that result when someone is overly sensitive to allergens in their environment. It is thought the dermatitis, or inflamed, red skin results from the body’s reaction to these allergens. As a person will have varying reactions to different allergens, each child has different triggers for his or her eczema. Some common triggers include pollen, dust, dry winter air, certain soaps and detergents, tobacco smoke, stress and heat.

Since eczema has a genetic link, many kids with eczema will have family members with other allergy-related conditions such as hay fever, asthma or food allergies. Researchers feel such children may be genetically predisposed to develop eczema.

Eczema affects one in 10 children. The good news is that eczema clears in almost 40 percent of children by adulthood. Children typically try to relieve the itch by rubbing the areas on anything they can find, but this often makes the skin worse.

My goals for children with eczema are to establish a good skin care regimen to minimize symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The mainstay of treatment is continually moisturizing the skin and avoiding any known triggers. In cases of mild eczema, I will ask parents to use a fragrance-free moisturizer (Eucerin and Aquaphor are popular brands, but petroleum jelly works just as well). The moisturizer should be thick enough that it has to be scooped out of the container rather than dispensed with a pump. This can be applied liberally and as often as parents remember, but we typically aim for two to three times per day, depending on the severity of symptoms.

To avoid triggers and minimize skin irritation, parents are advised to give children short, lukewarm baths, use fragrance-free hypoallergenic soaps and be mindful of other exposures (i.e. tobacco smoke, certain foods, excessive heat), which trigger eczema in their children.

For more severe cases, I will add a topical steroid. The strength of the steroid depends upon the severity of symptoms. The steroid is used for short-term treatment to decrease the inflammation and irritation of the skin and get the symptoms under control. Once this is achieved, I ask parents to stop the steroid, but continue application of a moisturizer two to three times per day.

If children experience flares in their eczema after exposure to a trigger, the steroid may be used again. Many parents are appropriately concerned about the use of topical steroids, which may cause skin discoloration or skin thinning from overuse. However, the constant irritation from poorly treated eczema may also cause skin discoloration, thickening of the skin (lichenification) and secondary skin infections. I like to reinforce getting control of eczema when it flares by using a well-established skin care regimen. This helps prevent repeated and severe flare-ups, which otherwise might require steroids.

If you think your child has eczema, it is a good idea to see his or her doctor. Eczema may be confused with other skin conditions such as cradle cap and psoriasis. Though there is no test available to make the diagnosis, a thorough history and examination will allow the doctor to come up with a good management plan for your child.

In addition to what is mentioned above, there are numerous other strategies to improve eczema control that the physician may suggest (drinking adequate water, keeping fingernails short to avoid scratching). Cases of severe eczema that do not respond to routine treatment may require referral to an allergist or dermatologist. Lastly, parents should be aware that eczema is not contagious, so there is no need to keep children with eczema away from others.

For parents dealing with eczema, it is an annoyance, but that itch can be managed with a good skin care routine and guidance from your child’s physician.

Dr. Deepa Sekhar is a pediatrician at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Road to Freedom: Harrisburg served as an important stop along the Underground Railroad.

January 31, 2014 | by Jason Wilson

Tanner’s Alley, from South Street looking towards Walnut Street, 1904. Credit: Historic Harrisburg Association.

Harrisburg’s location as the closest northern capital to the Mason-Dixon line—and the numerous roads, canals, ferries and railroads that converged here—led to its importance as a hub for the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.

As early as 1836, Harrisburg formed an antislavery society to demand the immediate emancipation of all slaves held in captivity. The next year, a statewide antislavery convention was held in the city.

By 1850, the year that the notorious Fugitive Slave Act was passed, the free black population of Harrisburg was around 900. A decade later, it would nearly double, likely a testament to escaped slaves who chose to remain in the city. For those runaways who made it to Harrisburg—and due to the heinous nature of the fugitive slave law, which required local authorities to assist in recapturing slaves—runaways often were forced to go on further.

From Harrisburg, routes led east to Lancaster and Philadelphia, as well as north to Sunbury, Williamsport, Elmira and Rochester, N.Y. In Harrisburg, there were various houses and churches throughout the city that were likely used as hiding spots.

An especially well-known location was the area near Commonwealth and Walnut streets, an African-American community then known as Tanner’s Alley. Here, several houses, including those of free blacks Joseph Bustill and William Jones, were stops on the journey northward. Bustill was a schoolteacher, and Jones was a doctor and a merchant, both men highly active in the anti-slavery movement.

According to one source, Bustill wrote several letters to William Still of Philadelphia informing him of the operations of Harrisburg’s Fugitive Slave Society. Bustill, however, was very careful to always refer to “passengers” on the railroad metaphorically, one time mentioning the passage of “four large and two small hams” traveling to Philadelphia.

Bustill, Jones and Tanner’s Alley are three of the more familiar names associated with the Underground Railroad in Harrisburg, but secrecy was what made the railroad a success. Many families, businesses, farms, churches and organizations, some known, and some that will forever remain unknown, formed the web of the Underground Railroad throughout the Keystone State—with the city of Harrisburg as the nexus.

Jason Wilson is an historian for the Capitol Preservation Committee.

CASA Student Scribes: Aches & Energy

January 31, 2014 | by Dany Nagle

Painting of Dany Nagle by CASA student Olivia Allbritton.

It’s a chilly evening in mid-November. I stride down the sidewalk, dressed in a tank top, yoga pants and unzipped hoodie despite the cold. I feel confident and energized as I crunch through a carpet of fallen leaves, strong despite the complaining of my muscles. I’ll be feeling tonight’s class in the morning—in fact, I’m feeling it right now—but I don’t mind.

I reach my car, sit in it in the dark and take inventory: my abs hurt, no surprise there after the floor work; my arms ache—again, not a surprise with the pull-ups I did—and bruises already dot my knees and inner thighs. The top of my right foot stings, but it’s nothing too major—I’ve seen worse cases of pole burn. All in all, a typical catalogue of hurts. And these aren’t just because I’m a newbie, either: most people involved in my sport come home with little injuries much like this after every practice.

This is my sport. This is pole dancing.

Mimi Nicks, a self-taught dancer who has been involved with pole since May 2011, owns my studio, Addicted to the Pole. “I just fell into it,” she says. “I love the flexibility and strength it requires and what it does to my body, my personality and my self-esteem.”

Mimi became an instructor because “I love encouraging women,” she says, going on to explain how pole brings out her inner sexiness and beauty and how she wants other women to feel the same way. She loves seeing her students improve and reach for their goals, explaining, “You can’t be weak in pole, either physically or emotionally.”

Many other talented dancers teach at Addicted, each with their own style and brand of wisdom to pass on to their students. Giselle Butts is the first instructor I encountered at Addicted; she currently teaches intro classes. She tells me she got into the sport because of an exchange student from Colombia who she hosted in September of 2012.

“I asked her what she missed most about home, and she said her pole dancing classes,” Giselle, whose daughter Brittany also dances at Addicted, says. She scheduled a class for the student’s birthday, fell in love with the “vibe of the sport,” and has been involved ever since. She became an instructor as a favor to Mimi, who was short on instructors. “It was a no-brainer,” she says.

I sit with Giselle on the floor of the studio after my intro class and ask her to tell me her favorite pole trick. “The Scorpio,” she answers immediately. “It’s an inverted move, and…do you want me to show you?”

I nod, and Giselle walks over to the pole and climbs it effortlessly before inverting herself, gripping the pole between her left arm and her side. Her left leg hooks around the inside of the pole while her right hangs out from the pole, bent at a perfect 90-degree angle. She holds the pose for a few moments, then flips herself right side up and slides gracefully down the pole, striding back over to me with a smile on her face. She tells me she likes the move because of the control and strength in her legs that it requires. Giselle says she loves the challenge of pole dancing. “It makes me feel beautiful,” she says, also describing how the sport has increased her confidence.

Most people immediately think “stripping” when they hear the term “pole dancing,” but this isn’t necessarily a correct association. While strippers do use a pole, it generally serves as a prop that they use to hold on to and walk around while doing their routine. The sport of pole dancing, however, is much more complicated and requires tremendous amounts of upper body, leg and abdominal strength, as well as flexibility to accomplish the tricks and moves. As a sport, pole dancing has evolved rapidly in recent years, becoming a fitness trend, as well as a new niche for competition. However, some stigma still remains, and many dancers are reluctant to tell others about their passion for the sport. Giselle says she understands the stigma surrounding pole. “It’s starting to change, but I don’t think it has to,” she says. “Our roots are in strip clubs.”

Pole dancing evolved from a combination of worldwide forms of dance, according to the International Pole Dancing Fitness Association. These include Chinese pole and Indian mallakhamb, a form of pole used to train wrestlers. Exotic dance has its roots in ancient times, and one of the earliest recorded instances of strip tease can be found in the Sumerian myth of Inanna, who danced through the seven gates leading to the underworld and removed an article of clothing or jewelry at each one. Exotic pole dance itself appears to have originated in traveling fairs during the 1920s, where performers would dance suggestively around the pole holding the tent where they danced in place. The first recorded pole dance occurred at the Mugwump burlesque club in Oregon in 1968, and pole dancing began as a trend in Canada in the 1980s. Fawnia Dietrich taught the first pole class in 1994, and went on to open the world’s first pole dance school.

Poles used in dancing are made of steel or brass and can be either stationary or spinning. Some poles are made of fiberglass and have LED lights in them for dramatic effect; however, plastic poles aren’t ideal for dance since they tend to bend and give dancers nasty friction burn. Anyone who’s spent any time in a pole studio also knows that any kinds of lotions or oils are strictly banned. They make the pole slick and difficult to grip, which can prove dangerous to someone attempting a trick off the ground. And while some may complain about how skimpy pole costumes can be, this is actually necessary: skin contact with the pole provides maximum grip and friction that you can’t get while wearing leggings or sleeves. Heels aren’t necessary for dancing but do help with some climbs and tricks and make it easier to go higher on the pole from the floor—not to mention the fact that they make your legs look great.

Many pole dancing competitions exist around the world and are sponsored by pole associations, such as the International Pole Dance Fitness Association and the U.S. Pole Dance Federation, the former of which has been very vocal about including pole dance in the Olympics. Mimi competed in the Pole Sport Organization’s competition recently and placed fifth in her division. “I was critiqued, which was the best part,” she says, “especially since I’m self-taught.” She went on to explain how the critiques would help her learn what she needed to work on to be a better dancer, and that she would absolutely compete again.

Despite its work-at-your-own-pace structure, the pole dance community is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to anyone who wishes to try it. “It’s a sisterhood, a family, a church,” Giselle says. “It lifts the spirit.”

Teachers and students will applaud when you learn a new trick, and everyone is more than willing to give tips or advice if you need them. It doesn’t matter if you feel out-of-shape or not strong enough or shy about your body. There’s no judgment. And since pole is a female-dominated sport, it’s easier for women especially to feel welcome and comfortable doing it. At Addicted, men rarely venture inside except for coed and couples classes.

No matter how crappy my day is, something about my pole studio always brightens it. When I step through the doors and shed my clothes in favor of shorts and a tank top, I feel like I’m leaving the little stressors and worries of the day behind. And when I nail a new move, I’m on top of the world for the rest of the day. Pole has really helped me, both emotionally and physically, and I haven’t been dancing long at all. I suppose my studio is aptly named: I am absolutely addicted to the pole, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dany Nagle is a senior at Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA).

Community Corner: Notable Events in February

January 31, 2014 | by Admin

Groundhog Day Celebration

Feb 1: Think warm thoughts of spring at Shipoke’s first-ever Groundhog Day celebration at 10 a.m. at Race Street Park, Race and Conoy streets, Harrisburg. The free event will feature resident groundhog Shipoke Sheena, who will issue a forecast, in addition to music, refreshments, giveaways and children’s activities. For more, visit www.shipoke.org.

Monte Carlo Night

Feb. 1: The Jewish Community Center of Harrisburg hosts a night of professional Monte Carlo games, auctions with fantastic merchandise, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and live music. The event also features a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, with special prizes awarded to the winners. The night begins at 7 p.m. Prices vary. For more information, visit www.jewishharrisburg.org.

Great American Outdoor Show

Feb. 1-9: After a year hiatus, the annual outdoors show returns to the state Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Now sponsored by the NRA, the show will feature exhibitors, classes, demonstrations and more for all outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. Visit www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org for more.

Fort Hunter History

Feb. 2: History educator Elizabeth Johnson will lead a hands-on workshop on the daily life of Indians and enslaved people who once populated Fort Hunter. The event takes place 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter, Harrisburg. Registration required. More information is at www.forthunter.org.

Kim Bracey Address

Feb. 4: York Mayor Kim Bracey will speak of her challenges and triumphs at a Black History Month event sponsored by the Penn State Harrisburg Commission for Women. The event will be held on campus at the Gallery Lounge, starting at noon. More information is at https://harrisburg.psu.edu/calendar/event/celebration-black-history-month.

Nicaragua: A Peace Corps Journey

Feb. 5: The World Culture Club of Central PA will present a lecture by Carol Lindsay, who will discuss her experience teaching English in Nicaragua. She will also explore the culture, geography, history and climate of the country, in addition to information on travel and tourism. The free presentation will be at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr., Lecture Room C, 5^th floor, Hershey. Refreshments will be served. For more, visit www.worldcultureclubpa.org.

Babes in Arms

Feb. 6-9, 13-16: Messiah College Theatre Department presents the musical “Babes in Arms,” featuring the music of Richard Rodgers. Performances begin at 8 p.m. with the exception of two 3 p.m. matinees on Feb. 9 and 16. Admission is $10; student and senior citizen rates are $7. For tickets and information, visit www.messiah.edu/theatretickets.

Shea Quinn Sings the Beatles

Feb. 7: Enjoy the Beatles songs you’ve always loved performed by Shea Quinn of The Luv Gods in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Fab Four’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill. No registration is necessary, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit www.fredricksenlibrary.org.

Hot Stove Dinner

Feb. 8: Join the Harrisburg Senators for their fourth annual Hot Stove Dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Harrisburg. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m., followed by keynote speakers. Other highlights include a silent auction, a raffle and an opportunity for fans to get autographs. Proceeds benefit the Easter Seals of Western and Central Pennsylvania. For more information and ticket prices, visit www.senatorsbaseball.com.

Harris Railroad Tower Museum

Feb. 8, 9, 15, 16: Experience the history of the Pennsylvania railroad system from the vantage point of the Harris Railroad Tower Switch Museum, 637 Walnut St., Harrisburg. The museum is interactive, and guests will have the opportunity to operate machinery and watch and photograph Amtrak and Norfolk Southern trains as they pass. There are limited reservations at the price of $20 per person. For more information, call 717-232-6221 or visit www.harristower.org.

Second Sunday at the Mansion

Feb. 9: Hear Laurene Buckley, executive director of the Susquehanna Art Museum, speak about SAM’s new museum in Midtown Harrisburg. The talk begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Harris–Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St. A tour of the mansion begins at 1 p.m. Admission is free for members of the Historical Society of Dauphin County, but a suggested donation of $5 is requested. For more information, visit www.dauphincountyhistory.org.

Wildwood Winter Lecture Series

Feb. 11: Randy Cassell, biology teacher at Cumberland Valley High School, gives his talk, “Life in and around a Vernal Pool.” He will focus on the ecology of the pond, as well as the animals that visit it and the need for forest buffers. The 7 p.m. event is free with no pre-registration required. For more information, visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

Networking Mixer

Feb. 12: Socialize with local business professionals while touring The Overlook facility at this free West Shore Chamber of Commerce event at 150 Erford Rd., Camp Hill. The mixer begins at 11:30 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.wschamber.org.

Women’s Erotic Poetry

Feb. 13: A group of female poets and artists from across central Pennsylvania will join together at Midtown Scholar Bookstore to discuss and read from their sensual works. The event begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.almostuptown.com.

Singing Valentines

Feb. 14: Barbershop quartets from the Keystone Capital Chorus will deliver singing valentines to your loved ones. In addition to a love song, the tuxedo-clad quartet will present a long-stemmed rose, a personalized Valentine’s Day card, Hershey’s Kisses and a ticket to the Chorus’ 66^th annual spring dinner show on May 31. Cost is $45. To make arrangements, call 717-730-0289 or visit www.kccsing.com.

Free Day at Civil War Museum

Feb. 15: Enjoy the annual free day at the National Civil War Museum in honor of President’s Day and Black History Month. Experience the museum’s collection, as well as educational programs, music, lectures and games for children and adults. Be sure to check out the new exhibit titled “1864,” commemorating the final full year of the Civil War. For more information, visit www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Fascinating and Funny Faunae

Feb. 20: Jon Dale presents a collection of fascinating, humorous or unusual photos of the faunae of Pennsylvania and other states. There will be refreshments and a chance to socialize at 7 p.m. A brief meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the presentation to follow. The free event is at Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Rd., Camp Hill. For more, visit www.appalachianaudubon.org.

Chamber Mixer

Feb. 20: Interact and connect with local professionals and organizations, while touring SSS Printing, 901 Market St., New Cumberland. The evening begins at 5 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. There will be several giveaways, and there is no cost to attend. For more information, visit www.wschamber.org.

Millennium Music Conference

Feb. 20-23: The 18^th annual Millennium Music Conference and Showcase will take place at venues throughout the greater Harrisburg area. In addition, workshops, mentoring, exhibits and more will be held at the Best Western Premier, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.musicconference.net.

Doshi Dialogues

Feb. 21: This insightful talk will feature current 3^rd in The Burg artists, R. Andrew Hoff and Jo Margolis, as they discuss the artwork they have displayed in the Doshi Gallery at the Susquehanna Art Museum. The talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the State Museum, N. 3^rd and North streets, and is free to the public. For more information, visit www.sqart.com.

Garden Expo

Feb. 21-23: The annual PA Garden Expo returns to the state Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, featuring more than 50,000 square feet of manicured gardens, as well as classes, lectures, a market and more. Visit www.pagardenexpo.org for more information.

Susquehanna Folk Music Coffeehouse

Feb. 22: Listen to a talented array of central Pennsylvania’s amateur acoustic musicians. This event will be held at the Centennial Barn at Fort Hunter, Harrisburg. Refreshments will be provided. The event is free and runs 7-9 p.m. For more information, visit www.sfmsfolk.org.

Polar Bear Plunge

Feb. 22: Brace yourself for a cold dip in the Susquehanna River at the annual fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Activities begin at 10 a.m. followed by the chilly plunge at noon on City Island, just off the Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg. More details are at www.specialolympicspa.org/polar-bear-plunge/harrisburg.

2014 Oscar-Nominated Short Films

Feb. 28: Watch all the short films nominated for Oscars by stopping by the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill during Film Fridays. All five nominees for Animated Short Film will be shown starting at 3:30 p.m., with Live Action Short Film nominees shown at 7 p.m. Documentary Short Film nominees will be shown at a later date. No registration is necessary. For more information, visit www.fredricksenlibrary.org.

CASA Student Scribes: Quidditch, Anyone?

January 31, 2014 | by Kasey Smith

Painting of Kasey Smith by CASA student Olivia Austin.

A woman sat on a bench in a Manchester train station, waiting for a train that wouldn’t arrive for several hours.

Suddenly, a strange idea came to her, an idea so bizarre it seemed real. She sat on her bench seemingly for ages, turning this idea over and over in her mind. She saw only a little boy with black hair, green eyes and round glasses at first, but sitting there and thinking about him produced more ideas. Who was he, what was he like? Who were his friends? His enemies? What made him special? After four hours of waiting and thinking, her train finally arrived, but she firmly fixed the little boy inside her head, not allowing herself to forget him. One day, everyone would know his name, and the name of his creator: Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling.

All of us have, at one point, heard something about Harry Potter. From the get-go, the phenomenon has been infectious. According to Time magazine, what started as a 500-copy first print of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” has expanded to six additional volumes, the entire saga totaling 450 million print copies, translated into 73 languages.

Ever since that first installment hit British bookstores and libraries on June 30, 1997 (the date happens to be one day before both the author’s and the main character’s birthday), everyone wanted to read them—children, parents, friends of anyone who’d read it already. Eventually, the acclaimed book series produced movies, collectible merchandise, Pottermore (a website where users can experience Harry’s journey first-hand through interactive illustrations), a theme park, spinoff books based on the series (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”; “Quidditch through the Ages”; and “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”), and a spinoff movie series based on “Fantastic Beasts,” the screenplay of which will be written by Rowling herself.

But just what made these books so enticing and popular? What about them made them deserve their own amusement park, website and spinoffs?

Perhaps the characters themselves. More than 300 actors combined helped create the movie adaptations (according to “Harry Potter: Film Wizardry”), offering something for every fan.

“I love Hermione,” said Zarqua Ansari, an eighth grader and fellow fan of Harry Potter who attends Crestwood Middle School, Mountain Top, Pa. “She is just perfect. I think it’s probably her ingeniousness and the fact that she is a bookish person just like me.”

Having read each volume several times, I understand her: these books have given me best friends, sworn archenemies and the wisest mentors I have ever known. Through seven volumes, readers can watch these characters grow, change and develop, learning the characters’ lessons along with them. We have the ability to explore and understand a character’s motivations, and sometimes we preserve that understanding and take it with us into real-life situations. We relate to and learn from characters and their actions and mistakes, and that’s some of what makes these characters timeless. They become precious to us, and we love them like real people.

“I actually cried when the characters that I loved died because I felt like I knew them and they were important to me,” said Ansari.

Take Draco Malfoy, for example. When we are introduced to him, we see him as a manipulative, condescending, racist bully. Doesn’t sound very nice, does it? He keeps up this unappealing façade until the sixth book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” where we finally see what he has to deal with and why he acts the way he does towards his peers. We see that he is truly a confused child forced to fill his father’s shoes way too early, once glad for the opportunity, but now aware of just how heavy the burden. When we learn why he is the way he is, we’re sorry for him, and we learn the image a person chooses to display often hides both the worst and the best of him — a lesson for everyone.

Audiences have always been fascinated by underdogs—just take a look at movies like “I, Robot,” “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings.” The main characters have all been thrust into a strange, new environment (in one way or another) and must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for the greater good. You can even go back to Shakespeare—everyone always roots for the star-crossed lovers because we feel sympathy for them. We want them to win. We want any character stuck in an impossible situation to triumph.

When we first meet Harry Potter, he’s living in a closet under the stairs! But through an epic, seven-year journey, we watch him transform from the loneliest child in Surrey to the greatest hero of the wizarding world, defeating monsters, bravely facing enemies when others would turn and run, and always standing up for what’s right. We love his journey because we want to make one like his. We all dream of rising from the ashes and building a better world — and Harry Potter did that. He showed us how to overcome impossible odds.

People can argue about the quality of the books, but no one can deny that they create a sense of belonging. In “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Harry begins as a scrawny little boy who fits in nowhere, singled out because of his cousin’s tyranny, to a student at a school with child wizards, others like him, where he has an opportunity to make friends. Every school year, the new class of wizarding students separates into four “houses,” each of which has its own dormitory and common room and competes against other houses for the House Cup through the year. This way, every student enters into a close-knit group on which they can depend.

Having a family that likes you because you fit their personality appeals to many. Sometimes, fans want a different type of family; sometimes, they just want a family in the first place. Sometimes, the books strengthen the bonds between existing families: Kelli Cunningham, a Potter-loving 11th grader from Mountain Top, said, “I decided to read [the Harry Potter books] because my sister had told me I should…my sister and I have a tradition of going to see each [new movie] together.”

Islands of Adventure, the sister park of Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., welcomed a new addition in 2010: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The park offers the chance to taste butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs; ride the legendary Buckbeak the hippogriff; and explore Hogwarts castle, fighting dark creatures along the way. The theme park serves as a permanent reminder of the thrilling franchise that Rowling created that day in the train station in Manchester.

Fans are confident that the Harry Potter will stand the test of time. “Of course, the phenomenon will continue,” said Cunningham. “[Harry Potter] isn’t just some phase, it really sticks with you.”

Kasey Smith is a junior at Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA).

A People of Invention: During Black History Month, let’s publicize the intellectual accomplishments of African Americans

January 31, 2014 | by Wendy Jackson-Dowe

Each year, Black History Month rolls around, and I think to myself, “Okay, get ready to hear story after story about and quotes from an outstanding American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Now, hold on, in no way am I attempting to diminish his greatness and impact on our country. I am, however, attempting to enlighten some by sharing certain lessons and stories that are told in my family year round.

As black people, we are often praised and lauded for our physical and artistic talents, yet we have contributed so much more. We are scientists, inventors, doctors, engineers…in other words, we possess incredible intellectual capital that, unfortunately, is not as widely publicized and praised as our other achievements. Again…no hate, simply an expansion of thought and consideration.

When I lived in Maryland, I would visit my children’s school during Black History Month and tell them a story entitled, “What if There Were No More Black People.” The particular version I used is a story of a little boy named Theo, who wakes up one morning and asks his mother, “Mom, what if there were no black people in the world?” His mother thinks about that for a moment and then says, “Son, follow me around today, and let’s just see what it would be like if there were no black people in the world.”

The story goes on to list all types of items invented by black Americans. I would bring in props and ask the children, “How many of you brushed your hair this morning? Raise your hands.” I would raise my hand and most, if not all, of the kids would raise their hands, as well. And so it went on that way.

Now, the story is great in its attempt to highlight the many contributions black Americans have made, yet it also embellishes in some places. I think it’s safe to say that, if a black person had not invented said item, someone eventually would have, as necessity is the mother of all invention and has no color—except for the sista’ who invented hair care products specifically for black women’s hair texture.

So, the world, in my opinion, would have naturally evolved technically and industrially.

With that being said, listed below are a few of the many inventions by black folks:

Garrett A. Morgan invented the automated traffic signal in 1923. Morgan sold the rights to his patent to General Electric for $40,000.

Frederick McKinley Jones invented the portable air conditioning unit used at military field hospitals in World War II. With the use of this invention, the military was able to store perishable, life-saving medicines and blood serum near the theater of battle, helping to save more lives. In 1935, this same man invented the first refrigerated truck.

Madam C.J. Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire. Her business was worth more than $1 million at the time of her death in 1919. She developed hair care products and styling instruments specifically for the needs of black women.

Dr. Charles Drew discovered the technique of storing blood plasma. As a result of this discovery, the first blood bank was formed and many lives have been saved through transfusions of blood and blood products.

Granville T. Woods invented the multiplex telegraph in 1887, a device that allowed train dispatchers and engineers at various stations to communicate with moving trains. Prior to that, collisions were a huge problem. In 1889, he invented an automatic safety cutout for electric circuits.

In 1892, George T. Sampson received the first U.S. patent for a clothes dryer.

Richard Spikes, in 1913, invented automatic directional lights, which would eventually come to be known as automatic directional lights or turn signals.

Percy Julian developed a material known as “bean soup,” a soy protein blend that extinguished gas and oil fires that could not be put out by water. This mixture saved the lives of countless sailors during times of war. In addition, athletes all over the world can thank him for the production of cortisone, which has eased the sufferings of millions.

Elijah McCoy invented the automatic oil cup, which lubricated a train’s axles and bearings while it was in motion, leading to fewer stops and improved safety. It was a huge success that imitators soon tried to cash in. Engineers, though, continued to prefer McCoy’s product. So, when purchasing the part, they’d ask for “the real McCoy,” coining that expression.

In 1883, Jan Ernst Matzeliger developed a machine that would sew the sole to the upper of a shoe in about a minute. His “shoe lasting” machine changed the process of how shoes were made by automating this part of the process that previously was done by hand, thereby cutting the cost of making shoes in half.

In 1882, Lewis Howard Latimer invented a method of making carbon filaments for what became known as the electric incandescent lamp.

George Crum developed the potato chip in 1853.

Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologic surgeon, invented the Laserphaco Probe, a surgical tool that uses a laser to vaporize cataracts.

“By the time we leave for work, Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds of blacks,” said Martin Luther King Jr. in a speech delivered in June 1966 at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

As I think of the purposes of Black History Month, a couple of thoughts come to mind: to share information on the many positive contributions that Black Americans have made throughout history and to increase the confidence, pride and self-love we as black folks should embody. I hope, in some small way, I have accomplished this.

I would someday like to see black history discussed in terms of American history. However, in the present, as with other ethnic groups and cultures, we have to tell our stories in order for the facts and occurrences to accurately hold their places in the history of our great nation.

Wendy Jackson-Dowe of Harrisburg is a consultant, serves as the government relations director with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA and is a former engineer with ExxonMobil .

Musical Notes: Fem Feb–this month, the ladies make the music.

January 31, 2014 | by Dan Webster

I promised to balance the scales this February with leading ladies. In addition, the Millennium Music Conference returns this month to the midstate stage, hitting venues in and around Harrisburg.

One diversion from the norm is a plug in the mentionable section for a young Colombian blues player who has an affinity for central Pa. His name is Carlos Elliot Junior, and he’ll be playing on Jan. 31, barely making the February cut.

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Appalachian Brewing Company, 2/12, 8 p.m., $10

This band’s name is suggestive of their music—funky. Mary Frances (vocals and keyboard) leads this itinerant group around the country, evangelizing their brand of funk. “Onward!” is their most recent album, dropping in late October. The track, “Trunk Fallin’ Off,” is a blend of old school hip-hop and straight-up rap and encourages you to dance that derriere off. The album opener, “Ante Up,” is a more straightforward funk tune, employing horns and more instrumentation and relying more on the repetitious, but smooth-sounding, lyrics found in this genre. If you have the dance-bone and are in for an upbeat time, this show will be just that.

Clannad, Whitaker Center, 2/7, 8 p.m., $29

Clannad is a New Age Celtic band, comprised of three siblings (Moya, Pol and Ciaran Brennan) and their twin uncles (Padraig and Noel Nuggan). Everyone knows the Brennan’s sister, Enya, but they were the first to blend Gaelic and pop/rock and have been rewarded for their hit tunes, “I Will Find You,” (theme from “The Last of the Mohicans”) and “In a Lifetime” (featuring Bono), selling 15 million records worldwide. Their legacy is as the forerunners of earthly/spiritual music, and Moya’s voice got quite the endorsement when Bono said she “has one of the greatest voices…ever.”

Millennium Music Conference, 2/20-2/23, venues in Harrisburg/Camp Hill/New Cumberland/Lewisberry/Duncannon

The 18^th Annual Millennium Music Conference is part-educational/mentoring for young artists and a way for emerging musicians to showcase their talents. The lineup is loaded at bars, venues and restaurants in the area. Be sure to hit up their website to see the roster of events. Locally, bands will be performing at Anthony’s, The Abbey Bar, Carley’s, Ceolta’s, Midtown Scholar, Momo’s, Stage on Herr and Suba. In the past, the music has been hit-or-miss, but this is certainly a lens into the farm league of East Coast artists.

Mentionables: Carlos Elliot Jr., Stage on Herr, 1/31; Jimkata, Appalachian Brewing Company, 2/5; Roofbeams, The MakeSpace, 2/15

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like